1 . I have the same 24 hours in a day as you do, but I have made specific choice that allow me to make the most of every day and still feel happy and relaxed.     1    

Pick the most important.

    2     Focus on spending time that for you is fun and productive. I chose the life of an adviser because I like to work with companies, but don't want the life of a big company CEO. My choices are based on the lifestyle I want.

Combine your activities.

Many people go crazy trying to figure out how to spend time with friends, family, work, play, etc.     3     Find ways to enjoy them in a combined manner. Build your social life around people in your work environment. Find people in your company who share common interests and develop your career (职业) around the people and activities you love.

    4    

You would think learning takes more time from you, but actually there are always new ways of doing things that can save you time on daily tasks, freeing you up for the most important. Always be looking for a new way to gain back an hour here or there.

Lighten up.

The world won't come to an end in most cases just because you left a few things undone. Celebrate progress and keep refining (改进) toward a happy productive existence.     5     Every completion is a small victory that adds up in a big way.

A．Speed up.

B．Be an active learner.

C．Stop trying to balance time between them all.

D．Make choices about what is meaningful in your life.

E．The things you do well usually give you greater joy.

F．Perhaps these tips will help you make the most of your time.

G．This is why making lists is important in any productivity handbook.

2 . For nearly a decade now, Merebeth has been a self-employed pet transport specialist. Her pet transport job was born of the financial crisis(危机)in the late 2000s. The downturn hit the real estate (房地产)firm where she had worked for ten years as an office manager. The firm went broke and left her looking for a new job. One day, while driving near her home, she saw a dog wandering on the road, clearly lost. She took it home, and her sister in Denver agreed to take it. This was a loving home for sure, but 1, 600 miles away. It didn’t take long for Merebeth to decide to drive the dog there herself. It was her first road trip to her new job.

Merebeth’s pet delivery service also satisfies her wanderlust. It has taken her to every state in the US except Montana, Washington and Oregon, she says proudly. If she wants to visit a new place, she will simply find a pet with transport needs there. She travels in all weathers. She has driven through 55 mph winds in Wyoming, heavy flooding and storms in Alabama and total whiteout conditions in Kansas.

This wanderlust is inherited from her father, she says. She moved their family from Canada to California when she was one year old, because he wanted them to explore a new place together. As soon as she graduated from high school she left home to live on Catalina Island off the Californian coast, away from her parents, where she enjoyed a life of sailing and off-road biking.

It turns out that pet transporting pays quite well at about $30, 000 per year before tax. She doesn’t work in summer, as it would be unpleasantly hot for the animals in the car, even with air conditioning. As autumn comes, she gets restless—the same old wanderlust returning. It’s a call she must heed alone, though. Merebeth says, “When I am on the road, I’m just in my own world. I’ve always been independent-spirited and I just feel strongly that I must help animals.”

1. Why did Merebeth changed her job?

A．She wanted to work near her home.

B．She was tired of working in the office.

C．Her sister asked her to move to Denver.

D．Her former employer was out of business.

2. The word “wanderlust” in paragraph 2 means a desire to _________?

A．make money.	B．try various jobs.
C．be close to nature.	D．travel to different places.

3. What can we learn about Merebeth in her new job?

A．She has chances to see rare animals.

B．She works hard throughout the year.

C．She relies on herself the whole time.

D．She earns a basic and tax-free salary.

3 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的文章。

On the first day of school, I stared in awe at the huge buildings. This high school was definitely bigger than the one I had previously attended.

This was my second year of high school, but my first year of school in St. Louis. I had decided the night before that I would be much happier in a new school if I made friends that were so-called “popular”. Getting in with the right group of people would make my life a whole lot better. I even bought a new outfit and had my hair styled just so the first day would be perfect.

Scared, yet anxious to begin my new life, I walked up the stairs to the front door. The halls were packed with kids yelling and laughing and telling stories of their summer adventures. My first class was geometry, but where was that?

I was standing in the hall looking confused, when a short, blond girl wearing glasses came up and asked, “Are you new? You look lost. Do you need help? My name is Diane. What’s yours?” Even though she seemed a bit strange, definitely not the kind of person I wanted to be associated with, I decided to answer her anyway. I was, after all, lost.

After exchanging names. I followed her up the stairs and down a hallway on the right, making polite conversation the whole way. When we reached my room she said, “Well, here you are. Welcome to JFK, and I hope your day goes all right.”

I said thanks and waved good-bye. Once inside the classroom, I saw one big group of people huddled around someone who seemed to be telling some sort of story. I walked over and got close enough to overhear. All eyes were glued to the guy in the middle of the circle who was wearing a letter jacket covered with patches. I decided that this guy was popular, so I managed to get a seat right next to him. I said, “Hi, my name is Lisa and I’m new here.” He said, “Johnny.”

注意：1.所续写短文的词数应为150左右：
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置答题。

At the end of the class, I turned to him and asked, “I’m not sure where my next class is, could you help me?”

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Just at that time, someone came up and tapped me on the shoulder.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4 . Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, quiet or loud, one of the keys to success in every area of your life is learning how to be more confident. Here are some things that can help you become more self-confident!

Train your brain.     1     Instead of immediately assuming you can’t accomplish something, believe you have what it takes to figure it out. Like Marie Forleo always says, “Everything is figureoutable.”

Watch your words. Whether you realize it or not, the words you speak shape your beliefs about yourself and what others believe about you.     2     The act of gossiping and putting others down always comes from a place of insecurity, so if you catch yourself wanting to say something sarcastic, redirect those thoughts to something better.

    3     In her research, social psychologist Amy Cuddy found that confident people have higher levels of testosterone and that people’s levels of testosterone can rise simply by exhibiting a “high power pose.” We’ve all heard the phrase “Fake it till you make it,” but Amy took this a step further and said, “Fake it till you become it.”

Be secure. Being secure in who you are means that, although you might make a mistake or fail, you know you’re not a failure.    4    

Get experience. Nothing builds self-confidence like experience. After you’ve done: the thing once you’ve led the company meeting, published your first blog, or coached your first client-your confidence in your ability to do it again will soar.     5    

A．Stay positive.

B．Change your body language.

C．That also goes for what we speak about others.

D．Just do it, and watch your confidence take off.

E．You have the power to be more confident within yourself.

F．You can learn how to be more confident in your mind.

G．It means someone might disagree with you, but it doesn’t shake you up.

5 . Ben was bothered every time he went through the kitchen. It was that little metal contain on the shelf above his wife Martha’s cook stove, which he had been repeatedly _________ never to touch. The reason, she said, was that it contained a “secret _________” from her late mother, and since she had no way of ever _________ the container, she was _________ that if Ben picked it up and looked inside, he might accidentally drop it and spill its _________ contents.

Ben never saw Martha cook a dish without taking the container of the shelf and sprinkling (洒) _________ a little of the contents over the ingredients. Whatever was in that container, it surely _________ Anyone who ever ate at their house felt Martha was the best _________ in the world. Looking into that container became increasingly _________ for Ben, but he never allowed himself to do so.

Then one day Martha became ill and was kept overnight in the hospital. Feeling lonely and bored in the house after returning home, Ben __________ the kitchen, and then the container on the shelf immediately came into view. It __________ his eyes like a magnet, and he quickly looked away, yet his curiosity brought him back again. He carefully took the container off the shelf, and opened it. Ben became __________ when what was inside came to I his sight. The container was empty, except for a little folded slip of paper at the bottom. He carefully picked it up and slowly __________ it under the kitchen light. Ben immediately __________ the handwriting as that of Martha’s mother. Very __________ it said: “Martha to everything you make, add a dash of love.”

1.

A．forbidden

B．told

C．inspired

D．threatened

2.

A．recipe

B．menu

C．herb

D．tobacco

3.

A．refilling

B．restoring

C．emptying

D．decorating

4.

A．pleased

B．concerned

C．puzzled

D．relieved

5.

A．valuable

B．previous

C．tasteless

D．messy

6.

A．yet

B．even

C．still

D．just

7.

A．failed

B．hurt

C．worked

D．changed

8.

A．wife

B．host

C．housekeeper

D．cook

9.

A．delightful

B．comforting

C．annoying

D．irresistible

10.

A．broke into

B．wandered into

C．ran out of

D．went back to

11.

A．opened

B．wetted

C．blinded

D．drew

12.

A．satisfied

B．calm

C．astonished

D．angry

13.

A．wrapped

B．unfolded

C．tore

D．wrinkled

14.

A．recognized

B．mentioned

C．treated

D．received

15.

A．stupidly

B．simply

C．cautiously

D．safely

6 . Researchers say a new electrical device placed in three paralyzed patients has helped them walk again. The lower bodies of the three patients were left paralyzed after they suffered spinal (脊柱的) cord injuries. But a device implanted in the spinal cord was able to send electrical signals to the muscles to permit them to stand, walk and exercise.

Scientists have discovered that neurons—which receive and send signals for muscle movements—often still work in injured patients with serious spinal cord injuries. However, past research into spinal cord injuries has centered on the stimulation of neurons. Now in the latest experiment led by Gregoire Courtine and Jocelyne Bloch of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, three paralyzed men were implanted a new electrical device designed to copy an action of the brain, in which it sends signals to the spinal cord that result in muscle movement. When the spinal cord receives the brain signals, it stimulates a collection of nerve cells that can activate different muscles.

The researchers reported that all three patients who got the spinal cord implants were able to take their first steps within an hour after receiving them. Over the next six months, the patients regained the ability to take part in more advanced walking activities, the study found. They were also able to ride bicycles and swim in community settings.

Unlike other attempts to help paralyzed patients walk by stimulating nerves through the back of the spine, Courtine said that his team redesigned the devices so signals would enter the spine from the sides. This method permits more direct targeting and activation of spinal cord areas, he said.

The team then developed artificial intelligence (AI) systems linked to the device. The AI controls electrodes on the device to send signals to stimulate individual nerves that control muscles needed for walking and other activities. However, because the patients’ muscles were weak from not being used, they needed help with supporting their weight, the researchers said. It also took some time for them to learn to work with the technology. Still, Bloch said, “The more they train, the more they start lifting their muscles, the more fluid it becomes.”

1. What can be inferred from paragraph 2?

A．Courtine and Bloch have found that neurons in paralyzed patients still work.

B．The new electrical device can imitate the brain to send signals to the spinal cord.

C．Three paralyzed men recovered with the help of a new electrical device.

D．Stimulating the neurons is the focus of the latest research into spinal .cord injuries.

2. How does the new device stimulate the spinal cord areas more directly?

A．By stimulating nerves through the back of the spine.

B．By using the AI system.

C．By making signals enter the spine from the sides.

D．By sending the signals to the brain.

3. Which can best describe Bloch’s idea in the last paragraph?

A．Every garden has its weeds.

B．Put the cart (运货马车) before the horse.

C．It's hard to please all.

D．Practice makes perfect.

4. What is the purpose of this text?

A．To report the consequence of spinal cord injuries.

B．To introduce the findings of a recent research.

C．To compare a recent research with other previous researches.

D．To recommend a treatment for paralyzed patients.

7 . Near my house is a library. As an enthusiastic reader, the idea to be surrounded by books itself is ______. So I volunteered to ______ it, managing books. But never had I realized reading had such ______ until I met an old lady.

One day I was arranging books when I heard a lady ______ something at the information desk, where I went to give ______. She was in her 70s with a beautiful smile.

After communication, I was ______ that she came to take the membership. Without family, she had ______ her house and settled in a nursing home, living off ______ the interest from her savings account. Her love of reading, even at such an age, never ______. Her confidence, whenever she ______ reading, livened her up.

The membership was ______ for her, so I explained the fee. She didn’t hesitate to open her purse and ______ for the amount. Noticing her ______ look, I offered to pay for her but she insisted, “I’ll come and pay tomorrow.” I failed to ______ her. The next day she returned, paid up and got her membership card. When I took her into the world of books, her eyes shone with excitement. She became a regular visitor, one I’d ______ every few days.

Now her cute smile in my mind still reminds me of the magic of reading.

1.

A．appealing

B．creative

C．accurate

D．unbelievable

2.

A．reward

B．join

C．sponsor

D．visit

3.

A．possibility

B．power

C．hardship

D．value

4.

A．approving of

B．giving away

C．inquiring about

D．showing off

5.

A．assistance

B．attention

C．results

D．regards

6.

A．amused

B．concerned

C．relieved

D．surprised

7.

A．donated

B．mended

C．purchased

D．sold

8.

A．barely

B．purposefully

C．merely

D．secretly

9.

A．began

B．continued

C．deepened

D．lessened

10.

A．considered

B．practiced

C．mentioned

D．recommended

11.

A．costly

B．informal

C．unreasonable

D．risky

12.

A．arrange

B．check

C．ask

D．pray

13.

A．confused

B．grateful

C．uneasy

D．considerate

14.

A．decline

B．convince

C．impress

D．satisfy

15.

A．expect

B．interview

C．question

D．recognize

8 . I was 68 when I first stepped on stage as a standup comedian in 2003. I’d never set foot in a comedy club before. I’ve always been a performer - I’ve worked as a singer, actor and musician - but all that came to an end after 9/11. I live in New York, and we watched the twin towers fall from my apartment building. For a year afterwards, nobody wanted to go out or be entertained.

It was then that I started to think about comedy. I realised people needed to laugh, to enjoy themselves again, and thought that with a little training I could do it. I took a few classes, tried to work out a routine, and finally plucked up the courage to get up on stage. That first time was terrifying. I had no idea what the audience would make of me.

In New York, comedians are typically young men with beards. It’s hard enough to break through as a woman, even harder as someone old enough to be their grandmother. As I stepped on stage that first time, people laughed nervously. They were clearly surprised to see me. I introduced myself, stated my age and tried my first joke. There was silence. But by the time I got to the third line, people were properly laughing, I was addicted.

Now my sets differ. I might be on stage for 10 minutes in front of a dozen people, or my one-woman show is a full hour in front of a crowd of 100. Even today, I’m nervous before I step out. My first line is, “Hello, everybody. I’m 88 and three-quarters years old. I’m telling you that in case I don’t make it all the way through the show.” Then people laugh and I relax.

After a show, people young and old come up to me, saying what an inspiration I am. They say they want to be as active as me when they reach my age. I’m pleased I can show that as an older person you don’t need to take a back seat in life.

I’ve no intention of stopping comedy. I’m taking all these pills, trying to stay alive, and I hope to still be performing when I’m 100. My goal is to still be up there making people laugh. It’s hard work, but it stops me being bored. I’d only be playing golf otherwise

1. What made the writer take up comedy?

A．She wanted to overcome her fears	B．She wanted to brighten others’ lives
C．She was unwilling to quit performing	D．She wanted to work out a routine

2. Why does the writer mention young men with beards in Paragraph 3?

A．To show the challenge she was facing

B．To explain her attraction to the job

C．To illustrate her special advantage

D．To describe her new friends in comedy

3. How has the writer made progress since her first performance?

A．She now performs before larger audiences

B．She no longer feels nervous before performances

C．She remains on the stage for a longer time

D．She has learned to make a joke of her age

4. Which of the following statements would the writer agree with?

A．Age is just a number

B．Advancing years bring greater wisdom

C．Old age means a chance to sit back

D．Being elderly means you have to slow down

9 . Want a relaxing but fun challenge at home?     1     Puzzles have been around for more than 250 years and the challenge of working out where each piece goes and carefully recreating the scene on the box lid can keep you busy for hours, days or even weeks.

Puzzles come in a huge range of sizes and difficulty levels. For beginners, a 100-piece puzzle is usually a good starting point.    2     Try grouping pieces with the same colours or design because they will probably go in the same area once the puzzle takes shape.

    3     Those pieces are easier to find because they have a straight side. Stay patient as you search through and try to make it fit together. You may not find any connecting pieces for ages but then several may suddenly appear.

For a real test, puzzles that have 1,000 pieces or more are a tough task and it’s best to complete them with friends or family if you can. Choosing a scene that interests you, such as a favourite film, sport or location, can help keep you interested and determined to work to the final piece. You can get fun educational puzzles, too.     4    

Some of the best places to pick up puzzles are charity shops. They’re often on sale for less     than €5. Once you have completed a puzzle it’s nice to exchange it with a friend.     5     You just upload an image, such as a family scene, and they will make a puzzle from it and post it to you. It makes lovely and unusual present.

A．So others can have a go.

B．You can’t beat a good puzzle.

C．Some companies make personalised puzzles.

D．However, a good start doesn’t always lead to a good result.

E．Most people like to start by getting the four edges of a puzzle laid out.

F．It can get you used to sorting out how the shapes, patterns and colours go together.

G．For example, you may try a map of the world, historical timelines or the periodic table.

10 . Food plays an essential role in our lives and rightfully so: The food we eat is related to our culture.     1    . Don’t believe me? Here’s why food is the best way to understand a culture:

    2    

It doesn’t matter where you’re from-you have to eat. Your social culture most likely developed from the need to eat. Once they surpassed hunting and gathering, many early civilizations organized themselves in ways that promoted food distribution and production. That also meant that the animals, land and resources you were near governed what you’d consume and how you’d prepare and cook it.

Food preservation techniques are unique to climates and lifestyles.

Ever wonder why the process to preserve meat is so different around the world?     3    . In Morocco, if preserved correctly, Khlea, a dish, is still good for two years when stored at room temperature. That makes much sense in Morocco, which has had a strong nomadic(游牧的)population, desert landscape, and extremely warm, dry temperatures.

The main local cuisines illustrate historical eating patterns.

Some societies have cuisines that are entirely based on meat, and others are almost entirely plant-based. India’s cuisine is extremely varied from region to region, with meat and wheat heavy dishes in the far north, to spectacular fish delicacies in the east, to rice-based vegetarian diets in the south.     4    .

Food tourism.

    5    . A food tourist won’t just focus on having a pint at Oktoberfest, but will be interested in learning the German beer making process, and possibly how they can make their own fresh beer. Since their interest in food is more than meal deep, the tourists have the chance to learn local preparation techniques that can lead to other aspects of a particular region’s culture.

A．Food affects the civilization

B．Food is a universal necessity

C．And the western part is home to strict vegetarians

D．Some people have a trip just for enjoying the food

E．It has to do with local resources, needs, and climates

F．You can learn much about a particular culture by exploring their food

G．Some people have taken the combination of food and culture to a new level